Green Bay weathers first coronavirus scare

The 2020 National Football League season is a completely different animal than past seasons.

Teams are not only preparing every week to take down the next opponent on their schedules, but also trying to keep the coronavirus out of their building.

The Green Bay Packers have done a solid job on both tasks so far, but the last couple of weeks have provided a little more adversity.

Following the team’s shocking loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Nov. 1, Packers rookie running back A.J. Dillon tested positive for COVID-19. Fellow running back Jamaal Williams and rookie linebacker Kamal Martin were considered close contacts to Dillon and also placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, which meant all three players would miss the Nov. 5 game against the San Francisco 49ers.

The Packers caught the 49ers at the perfect time, as San Fran was dealing with its own coronavirus issue, along with a multitude of injuries. Green Bay also got running back Aaron Jones back from injury for the contest, and he helped set the stage for a blowout win.

Unfortunately for the Packers, the COVID-19 issues continued, as rookie linebacker Krys Barnes tested positive for the virus after the game. That move also sent rookie quarterback Jordan Love to the reserve/COVID-19 list because he and Barnes are roommates.

“We’re in a pandemic. You see it all across the league,” said coach Matt LaFleur of the team’s cases. “I think it’s a good reminder for our football team, for everybody, whether you’re a rookie or you’re an established veteran.”

Martin and Williams were activated from the list on Monday, and the Packers are hoping to get Love, Barnes and Dillon back soon, although LaFleur was unsure exactly when that would be when talking to the media on Monday.

While Love hasn’t taken a snap, or even been active for a game yet, and Dillon has been used sparingly, the five players have missed valuable practice time with a number of other players on the team out with injuries.

Leading up to the 49ers game, a total of 19 Packers missed practice time.

After the Packers win and Chicago Bears loss to the Tennessee Titans, 6-2 Green Bay has a solid hold on the NFC North, with Chicago in second at 5-4 and the Vikings and Detroit Lions both at 3-5.

“We’re sitting in a pretty good spot right now at 6-2 and we know that we have to continue to take it one day at a time, one game at a time in order for us to get to where we want to go and that’s exactly what we’ll do,” said LaFleur.

That multiple game division lead gives the Packers some room for error, and also allows the team to be cautious with guys dealing with injuries.

Offensive tackle David Bakhtiari, wide receiver Allen Lazard, linebacker Christian Kirksey and cornerback Kevin King have all missed multiple games. While their presence on the field certainly would give the Packers better chances to win each game, Green Bay was able to handle San Francisco and should have little trouble dispatching this week’s opponent.

The 1-7 Jacksonville Jaguars visit Lambeau Field this Sunday.

After starting the year with a win, Jacksonville has lost its past seven games. The team has been outscored 247-179 so far this season and ranks near the bottom in the league on both sides of the ball.

After its slip-up against the Vikings — who had one win at the time — you can bet the Packers will be ready for the Jags.

sports@newmedia-wi.com